UC Santa Barbara and Paralympics Great Britain Mark Historic 2028 Training Partnership

KEYT on November 21, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Some of the world’s top Paralympians are heading to UC Santa Barbara.

Paralympics Great Britain has chosen the campus for summer training ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“It’s a hugely important partnership for us,” said director of sports Penny Briscoe of the British Paralympic Association.

Athletes will live on campus, train in UCSB’s world-class facilities, and connect with the Santa Barbara community.

“It’s fabulous campus great facilities. It’s accessible and accommodation and dining opportunities,” said Briscoe.

“They want to be part of our campus community so when people see them working out, they’re going to be working out with our general student community when they’re in our facilities in our fitness centers they’re going to be at the students when they’re in our pools in our fields they’re gonna be with our students,” said executive director Stephen Byrd of the UCSB Department of Recreation.

“I think it’s really cool. I think the Paralympics are really cool because it allows for you know anyone from all walks of life to compete and be able to witness and experience their dream,” said student Quinn Ziegert of UCSB.

In just a few years, the athletes you’ll see going for gold in Los Angeles will be training on campus.

A wonderful showcase for Santa Barbara, our community and our commitment to disabled access,” said congressman Gregg Hart.

“I’m really excited to see the Olympians come I can’t wait to see them in person,” said student Ryan Valenzuela of UCSB.

From 2028’s future medalists to the Gauchos cheering them on—UCSB is now part of Paralympic history.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Accused quadruple murderer Benjamin Naylor waives peliminary hearing, attorneys eye plea deal

KIFI on November 21, 2025

News Team

BURLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Benjamin Naylor, 56, of Burley, was back in court Thursday, Nov. 20, where his attorneys indicated they are pursuing a plea agreement deal.

Naylor is charged with murdering Kelly and Donna Jenks in their home in Burley, along with Angelica Medina and Dennis Mix in Minidoka County, in July.

Yesterday, Naylor voluntarily waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Cassia County. The move follows months of legal and medical evaluations, including a court-ordered competency exam where he was ultimately ruled competent to stand trial, despite his family’s claims that Naylor suffers from schizophrenia.

His attorneys indicated they plan to waive the preliminary hearing in Minidoka County as well, allowing them additional time to review the proposed plea agreement before the case advances.

The case is now set to move to district court for a hearing in Cassia County on December 22. Naylor is currently charged with four counts of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon.

Click here to follow the original article.

Desert Hot Springs approves major storm upgrades for Indian Canyon Drive, Mission Lakes Boulevard

KESQ on November 21, 2025

Kendall Flynn

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Infrastructure upgrades are on the way for Desert Hot Springs to prevent flooding and improve road access on Indian Canyon Drive and Mission Lakes Boulevard. The city often deals with flooding during major rain or wind events causing road closures, especially along Indian Canyon Drive.

On Tuesday, the city council unanimously approved a partnership with NV5 Inc. The company will be responsible for designing the Bridges Over Water project for just over $1.1 million. The city originally wanted to work on these improvements before tropical storm Hilary in 2023, but city officials said the damage from that storm has moved this project faster.

Under the proposed plans, the project will divert stormwater from the roads to Mission Creek and the box culvert system from the creek will be improved. There will also be new crossings on Indian Canyon Drive and Mission Lakes Boulevard.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear Desert Hot Springs plans for the improvements and how they are necessary for the safety of residents.

Click here to follow the original article.

Bonneville County Coroner’s Office issues urgent public warning: Dangers of Kratom use confirmed in local fatalities

KIFI on November 21, 2025

Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office is issuing a public health alert regarding the dangerous and potentially fatal consequences of using Kratom (also known as Thang, Krypton, Kakuam, Ketum, and Maeng Da leaf, among others). This warning comes in response to a concerning increase in deaths across the country directly linked to the herbal substance.

Kratom-related deaths skyrocket in Bonneville County

In the last 18 months, the Bonneville County Coroner’s Office has investigated six Kratom-related deaths. A staggering four of these fatalities were determined to be solely due to acute drug toxicity of mitragynine, the primary active compound in Kratom.

“This is a wake-up call for our community,” Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez said. “To put this into perspective, Kratom is now implicated in approximately 18% of the drug overdose fatalities in our country over the last year and a half. The highest concentration of mitragynine observed in one of these fatalities was 12,000 ng/mL, which is the highest I have ever seen at nearly four times our national laboratory’s range typically associated with overdose of this substance.”

“In addition, all Kratom-related deaths occurred within a small age window, with our youngest victim being 19 years old and the oldest being 42 years old,” Sanchez said. “These aren’t isolated incidents. We are seeing a clear pattern, and my community needs to know.”

Kratom is a herbal substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly consumed as a raw powder, in capsules, as a tea, or as a liquid extract.

Kratom’s effects are complex and unpredictable, acting as both a stimulant at low doses (causing alertness, rapid heart rate, and increased energy) and an opioid-like depressant at higher doses (leading to confusion, relaxation, and pain relief). The substance’s effect on an individual is highly variable, depending on the dose, concentration, method of ingestion, and the user’s personal medical and drug-taking history.

While Kratom is often marketed as a natural alternative for pain relief or to manage opioid withdrawal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for any medical use, and its safety and effectiveness have not been clinically determined.

The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office urges all residents to discontinue the use of Kratom. Individuals using Kratom who are struggling with addiction or pain management should seek professional medical help immediately.

“The public needs to understand that ‘natural’ does not mean ‘safe’. ‘Kratom can be deadly,'” the Coroner Shante Sanchez concluded. “Our priority is providing the facts and ensuring community safety. Help us prevent further tragedies by sharing this vital information.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Report of sexual abuse leads to Jefferson City chase

KMIZ on November 21, 2025

Matthew Sanders

EDITOR’S NOTE: Charges against Jimmy Kenda were dropped after officers learned that the suspect gave a false identity. The suspect’s name will be released after formal charges are filed, police say.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A report of a man repeatedly harassing a woman at a gas station kicked off a high-speed pursuit early Friday in Jefferson City.

Jimmy Kenda was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, aggravated fleeing a stop and first-degree harassment, all felonies.

Officers were called to the Break Time at 326 Ellis Blvd. at about 2:45 a.m., where a woman said a man repeatedly made unwanted advances that included touching her and offering to pay her for sex, according to a probable cause statement. The man followed her to the drink station and continued to touch her inappropriately, the victim told police.

Officers soon found the suspect’s vehicle at another gas station. An officer began to question Kenda, who took off down Route C at speeds up to 100 mph in heavy rain, the statement says. Kenda crashed at the intersection of Route C and Rock Ridge Road and was arrested, police say.

Kenda was taken to University Hospital with a compound fracture of his leg. He was not in Cole County Jail custody on Friday morning.

Click here to follow the original article.

Centerstage Theatre presents new adult education program and Elf The Musical

KIFI on November 21, 2025

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls (KIFI) – Centerstage Theatre of Idaho Falls unveiled its latest additions of a new adult theatre education program and its holiday production of Elf The Musical.

The adult education program is designed for ages 18+ and will offer creative individuals in the community the chance to gain hands-on experience as performers. Centerstage Theatre owner Justin Debelle said that the program was created after a patron’s request to build a safe space for adults in the community to explore performing.

“Stevie Croft [Centerstage Theatre patron] expressed the need in the community for classes for adults that are designed for acting, performance audition prep,” Dabelle said. “We created this basic curriculum to help people 18 and older audition and learn basic acting skills and the foundations that they need to succeed in this.”

Led by four seasoned educators with extensive expertise in their fields, the class will be a positive, hands-on experience, guaranteed to meet students where they are and help them hone their acting, music, and audition skills to further their theater pursuits.

Educators include Les Misérables National Tour alumna Nicole Riding Stoker, theatre performers Jacob Meldrum and Lisa Carter, and Centerstage owner Justin DaBell.

The winter classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM, January 7th to February 25th. To ensure classes remain personal and interactive, there is a limit on the number of students. The cost is $200 for all eight classes. You can complete the initial registration and deposit to reserve your spot by following the registration link here.

Next Friday, November 28th, marks the opening of “Elf the Musical” at Centerstage Theatre. The show is based on the 2003 movie “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell.

It tells the story of Buddy, a human orphan raised by elves at the North Pole. After discovering that he is human, Buddy ventures to New York City to find his biological father. Along the way, he helps his father and the city rediscover the spirit of Christmas.

Elf The Musical will be playing at Centerstage Theatre from November 28th to December 20th, with limited seating remaining. At this time, owner Justin Dabelle said there is a plan to add five performances due to high ticket demand.

Center Stage Theatre is dedicated to delivering exceptional entertainment in Eastern Idaho, designed for audiences of all ages to enjoy collectively. The organization believes that live theatre provides individuals with valuable opportunities for self-discovery and fosters an appreciation for the beauty of live art.

To purchase individual tickets for Elf the Musical”, click here. To learn more about their upcoming 2026 production season and ways to get involved, visit their website www.centerstageif.com.

​

Click here to follow the original article.

FREE FISHING: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announces two upcoming opportunities to fish for free statewide

KTVZ on November 21, 2025

Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do following Thanksgiving? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced free fishing days on November 28th and 29th statewide!

All residents and non-residents are encouraged to participate. Enjoy free fishing, crabbing and clamming! ODFW says free fishing days are a great chance to take someone new fishing and celebrate Oregon’s natural resources.

No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags are required those two days. All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions.

ODFW will stock trout in several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley in anticipation of the event, which draws both experienced anglers and those new to the sport.

If you participate and catch a fish (or a few!) make sure to snap a photo and submit it to us for your chance to be featured on our weekly ‘Big Ol’ Fish’ segment. Make sure to include the type and size of your fish, where you reeled it in, and who is in your photo! Click here to submit.

Click here to follow the original article.

Boat catches fire on Lake of the Ozarks

KMIZ on November 21, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The sole occupant of a boat on the Lake of the Ozarks was not hurt in a Thursday afternoon explosion and fire.

Firefighters were called to the 3.5 mile marker a little after 4 p.m. Thursday for a call of a boat and dock fire, the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District stated in a news release. The boat was on fire in the middle of a cove when firefighters arrived.

The lone occupant of the boat had been rescued by people on another boat, the release states.

Information about what started the fire and the victim’s name was not released.

Click here to follow the original article.

LDS Church lowers missionary age for young women to 18

KIFI on November 21, 2025

Seth Ratliff

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a major change to its full-time missionary service. Effective immediately, young women who choose to serve a full-time mission may begin their service at the age of 18, provided they have completed high school or its equivalent.

The landmark announcement came from the Church’s First Presidency, the governing body of the faith, on Friday, November 21, 2025. In a news release announcing the change, the First Presidency extended their love to the youth of the church, reiterating the personal nature of the decision to serve.

“While the Lord asks every worthy, able young man as part of his priesthood responsibility to prepare for and serve a mission, we reiterate that missionary service remains an optional opportunity for young women,” the First Presidency wrote in a news release announcing the change. “We recognize that for those young women who desire to serve a full-time mission, the choice of age to begin service will not be the same for everyone.”

This policy change represents the first significant policy shift since President Dallin H. Oaks was sustained as the 18th President and Prophet of the faith last month. Furthermore, it is the first major adjustment to the missionary service ages in over a decade. The last such change took place in October 2012 when then-President Thomas S. Monson announced that young men could begin service at age 18 (instead of 19) and young women at age 19 (instead of 21).

Click here to follow the original article.

Sacramento State students protest new on-campus living requirement

CNN Newsource on November 21, 2025

By Peyton Headlee

Click here for updates on this story

    SACRAMENTO (KCRA) — Sacramento State students are protesting against a new university policy that requires them to live on campus for their first two academic years.

The university, which has long been known as a commuter campus, announced the change last month. The university said the new policy is aimed at “student success, community engagement, and academic achievement.”

“I’m sure a ton of you know why we’re here, and it’s because we don’t like the housing requirements,” Emma Beck said to the dozens of protestors gathered outside of the library on Thursday evening.

Beck, the student who organized the protest, highlighted the financial burden the new policy could impose on students who choose to commute to class.

“A lot of students have negative feelings about the requirement,” she said. “I chose to live on campus my first semester here because it was convenient, but then I chose to move away because it was too expensive. So, there’s two sides of the coin that they’re not really seeing.”

The university said it plans to offer a number of exemptions, including students facing financial hardships or those living locally.

Beginning fall 2026, students living with immediate family within 50 miles of campus will be exempt, but the distance will be reduced to 30 miles in 2027.

Other exemptions include those age 21 or older by the first day of classes, students considered independent on the FAFSA, active-duty service members, those required to live at their job site (like caregivers), study abroad students, and those with disabilities or medical conditions that cannot be accommodated in student housing.

Nadine Kelly, executive director of the university’s housing services, explained the policy’s focus on student success and community engagement.

“I think that there’s an opportunity to shift the direction and shift us to a residential destination. There’s something to be said about calling a place home,” Kelly said. “Students that live on campus tend to have higher GPAs, tend to graduate on time, and are having a different experience than students that live off campus.”

Despite the university’s stance, students continue to express dissatisfaction with the change, emphasizing their desire for autonomy in choosing where to live.

“The benefits to living on campus are fantastic, where you have better access to all the resources here. But the financial burden just outweighs everything else,” Beck said.

Sacramento State noted it would have expanded residence options when the new requirement goes into effect. That includes a new residence hall, Mt. Whitney Hall, which is set to open in fall 2026 and provide 335 new beds for first-year students. Riverview Hall will also have an additional 150 single beds converted from upper-division housing.

With the new policy, the university also indicated it plans to promote more programming tailored toward first and second-year students, aiming to build a sense of belonging.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.